Mammogram Match campaign planned for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The fifth annual Paint Nevada Pink begins Oct. 1 to highlight the importance of breast cancer screening, this year with a twist. For the first 5,000 mammogram appointments scheduled during the month of October at participating screening locations, sponsor United Healthcare will make a donation to help cover the cost of screening, diagnostic tests, and navigation for another person in need of breast care.

October is recognized nationwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The key action during the Paint Nevada Pink campaign has long been asking Nevadans to take the pledge to get screened for breast cancer within the next year or remind a loved one to do so. This year’s campaign takes that a step further with this “Mammogram Match” challenge.

“We’ve pushed awareness for so long, now it’s time to ask for action,” said Cari Herington, executive director of Nevada Cancer Coalition (NCC) which spearheads Paint Nevada Pink. “Breast cancer screening can be intimidating, overwhelming, and a low priority for some women, but bottom line, it saves lives. Annual screening starting at age 40, or earlier for those at higher risk, is the best chance we have at reducing the impacts of this disease.”

Appointments scheduled Oct. 1-31 (for October or a future date) at the following screening locations will count toward the Mammogram Match total:

Las Vegas

• The Breast Center at Sunrise
• Engelstad Foundation R.E.D. Rose
• Pueblo Medical Imaging
• OptumCare

Reno

• Northern Nevada Health System
• Reno Diagnostic Centers

Many other organizations across Nevada are hosting breast cancer awareness events. For more events and information or to take the pledge to get screened visit http://PaintNevadaPink.com.

Where to get free and low-cost screenings:

• The Women’s Health Connection (WHC) program provides breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to Nevadans 21-64 who are low-income women and uninsured or underinsured. If breast or cervical cancer is diagnosed, Women's Health Connection patients may receive treatment through Medicaid. Click or call Access to Healthcare to learn more at 844-469-4934.

• Nevada Health Centers operates the Mammovan — a mobile mammography van that travels to locations across the state, including many rural communities. The van serves women with or without insurance. To make an appointment, visit their website or call 877-581-6266, option 1.

• Engelstad Foundation R.E.D Rose Program at Dignity Health offers mammograms for free with no need for medical insurance for people in the Las Vegas area. Call 702-620-7858 to schedule.

• Reno Diagnostic Centers in Reno offers free screening mammograms for women who meet the screening criteria and do not have insurance. Call 775-333-2776 to schedule.